Celebrate 250 Years of Elgin: A Commemorative Exhibit

Main Library

February Through March 2026

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with the 250 Years of Elgin exhibit. This engaging exhibit highlights the pivotal moments that shaped Elgin into the culturally vibrant city it is today. It also showcases the 250th anniversary events happening across the community. Presented by the Elgin Area Chamber's Enhancing Elgin committee, City of Elgin, the Elgin History Museum and the Elgin Public Museum.

The milk wagon at the Main Library belonged to the Elgin Sanitary Milk Co., later known as Ludwig Dairy.

It is one of the only known Elgin Sanitary Milk Co. wagons remaining. Milk wagons like this one were used from the late 1800s through the 1960s.

On loan from the Elgin History Museum.

Black History Month Exhibit: Project 2-3-1

Main Library

February 1 - March 2, 2026

Project 2-3-1 is an exhibit based on the local documentary that tells the history of African Americans in Elgin, from slaves who arrived by boxcars during the Civil War to present-day African American residents and their accomplishments. This exhibit features captivating stories, photos and videos that highlight the powerful impact of African Americans in Elgin. Created by Grindstone Productions, The Elgin History Museum and local historian Ernie Broadnax.

Click below to see photos of the 250 exhibit.

Shown here courtesy of the Elgin Courier-News

Elgin Courier-News

Elgin News Digest: Two exhibits opening in February at Gail Borden library

By Mike Danahey | Published January 29, 2026 11:40am

Exhibits focusing on Elgin’s ties to the country’s 250th anniversary and Black History Month will open in February at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.

Designed to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, “250 Years of Elgin” will highlight pivotal moments that helped shape the city, according to the library’s website.

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Shown here courtesy of the Daily Herald

Daily Herald

Elgin's dairy heritage rolls into Gail Borden Library for upcoming exhibit

By Rick West | Published January 22, 2026 4:35pm

The Gail Borden Library in Elgin got a special delivery befitting its namesake Wednesday when a century-old milk wagon arrived for its upcoming “Celebrating 250 Years of Elgin” exhibit.

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Elgin Celebrates 250 Years: Milk Wagons, Butter Carvings, and Future Dreams

By Denise Raleigh | Published January 22, 2026

This February, the Gail Borden Public Library rotunda will welcome a very special guest: a century-old milk wagon. Part of the "Celebrating 250 Years of Elgin" commemorative exhibit, the wagon’s arrival marks a homecoming for a piece of the city’s rich dairy legacy.

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